Sylvania HomeKit Light Strip

Whereas the Wisconsin plant is focused on manufacturing LCD panels for TV-maker Sharp, the Michigan location will focus on more advanced research and development. Foxconn chair Terry Gou says the company is interested in self-driving technology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning technology:

“Automotive development in the U.S. is still more advanced than China,” Gou said. “Besides self-driving technology, I’m also interested in artificial intelligence and deep learning technology.”

Being in Michigan, Foxconn’s research and development plant is in the heart of the car industry, but Gou seemingly made it clear that the company is interested in more than just self-driving technology.

It’s currently unclear as to exactly how large the facility will be, as well as how many jobs it will create.

The Michigan plant could have somewhat of an effect on Apple if Foxconn is able to innovate in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and self-driving systems. Tim Cook has said that Apple has a “large” project related to autonomous systems, so any advancements Foxconn can make in the area would certainly benefit Apple given their existing relationship.

We’ll have to wait and hear specific details before we speculate too much, though.